SOCIAL

RECONSTRUCTIONISM
 SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTIONISM
▰ is a philosophy that emphasizes the
addressing of social questions and a quest to
create a better society and worldwide
democracy.
▰ heavily emphasizes social questions and
questions about society itself in a better effort
to create a more successful society in the
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future. 
 The Two Major Premises of
Reconstructionism
▰ Society is in need of constant
reconstruction or change
▰ Such social change involves a
reconstruction of education and the
use of education in reconstructing
the society
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 Reconstructionist

▰ focuses on a curriculum that

highlights social reform.
▰ believe that systems must be
changed to overcome oppression
and improve human conditions.
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 According to Social
Reconstructionist…
▰ students are the critical element in
bringing about social change. They
contend that students are capable
of initiating and adapting to
change especially if they are
influenced by appropriate adult
role models. 5
Leading Exponents
of Reconstructionism
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ACCORDING TO ALVIN TOFFLER

“The illiterate of the
21st century will not
be those who cannot
read and write, but
those who cannot
learn, unlearn, and ( American writer, futurist, and businessman)
relearn. ” (1928-2016)
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ACCORDING TO IVAN ILLICH

“School is the
advertising
agency which
makes you believe
that you need the ( Croatian-Austrian philosopher, Priest and
Critic)
society as it is” (1926-2002) 8
ACCORDING TO PAULO FREIRE

“Education does
not transform
the world. Educatio
n changes people.
People change the
( Brazilian educator and philosopher)
world” (1921-1997)
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Reconstructionism
and Education
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 According to Social
Reconstructionist…
▰ students are the critical element in
bringing about social change. They
contend that students are capable
of initiating and adapting to
change especially if they are
influenced by appropriate adult
role models. 11
 The Purpose of Schooling
▰ Critically examine all cultural and educational
institutions and recommended change and
reform as needed.
▰ To teach students and the public not to settle
for "what is" but rather to dream about what
might be.
▰ Prepare Students to become agents for change
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 Nature of the Learner
▰ Students are a critical element in
bringing social change.
▰ Students are capable of initiating and
adapting to change especially if they are
influenced by appropriate adult role
models.
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 Focus of Learning
▰ Critically analyze world events
▰ Explore controversial issues
▰ Develop vision for new and better
world
▰ Promote programs of cultural
renewal 14
 Curriculum
▰ Critical Pedagogy
– Unites theory and practice
– Provides students with critical thinking
tools
▰ Public Education should be the direct
instrument of world reformation
▰ Use moral dilemmas to direct attention
toward social and world reform 15
 Role of the Teacher
▰ An educator who is also a social activist
▰ Sees education as a tool for solving the problems of
society
- The teacher can inform others about the nature and the
extent of the problem
- Can suggest what one can do about these problems
▰ Rather than being passive dispensers of knowledge,
teachers should become facilitators for analysis and
change 16
Critiques of
Reconstructionism
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 Critiques of Reconstructionist
▰ Reconstructionist analysis of social problems and the
accompanying remedies suffer from shallowness and
superficiality.
▰ Often, in their strong desire for change, reconstructionist are
precipitous in their recommendations for reform.
▰ Reconstructionist have a romantic notion of what schools can
do.
▰ The views about democracy and decision making are
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questionable.
 THANKS!
Reported by:
Jennifer Mariz Dances
Johann Emmanuel L. Molato 19